Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Video Portrait of an Artist Grappling with PPMS

One of the MS blogs I've been most impressed with is "Healing through Multiple Sclerosis", published by artist Cathy Aten. Cathy's blog documents both the mounting physical challenges and very personal internal struggles that she must wrestle with as a result of her Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis.

On a daily basis, Cathy eloquently communicates the difficult to verbalize impact that the disease has on the psyche of those who suffer from it. She writes of the horror and wonder of watching oneself change, and the constant coming to terms with losing control of one's life and oneself on so many levels, all the while teasing out the quiet lessons that might be learned from the experience.

Cathy recently posted a video in which she discusses her experiences in dealing with her progressively disabling illness. Both intimate and intelligent, this brief video is an impactful summation of the psychological labyrinth that this very physical disease demands its sufferers go through, forcing its victims to find a way to navigate through a fearful and ever-changing landscape, all the while trying to hold onto that which defines them.

As Cathy so succinctly puts it, "What all can you take away and still have the essence of a thing?"...

5 comments:

I think she could accept her handicap and disease after struggle. Handicap is struggle against society. At the same time disease is struggle against oneself. She gets along with them rather than beats them. I thought what made one happy. It was so difficult for me to answer it. But I guess her way of life embodies one of the answers

Marc, thanks for turning me and others on to Cathy's blog a while back. It is hands down my favorite read. I never read a post of hers without feeling that she's been in my head. Her sharing helps provide form to the thoughts and feelings swirling around in me.

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Regretfully, due to the high volume of e-mail received and the realities of living with progressive MS, I'll no longer be able to respond to all e-mails sent. I do read each note, and will do my best to answer as many messages as I can.

About Me

I'm Marc, a 53-year-old male, living in New York City with my lovely and wonderful wife Karen. Diagnosed with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis in March of 2003, I now require a wheelchair to get around the city. I like to drive the wheelchair at full speed, thus the moniker "Wheelchair Kamikaze". I've managed to rig a camera to my chair, so I'm able to take videos and still photos from the unique vantage point of a wheelchair, which I intend to post here.
Before getting sick, I was the Director of DVD Production for one of the major international music companies. Yes, I was once a member of the Evil Empire...
Prior to my enlistment in the Evil Empire, I worked as a video producer and editor.
I grew up in New York City, and spent the 1980s in Boston (college and postcollege rock 'n roll craziness). During the 1990s, I lived in South Florida, until I woke up one morning and realized I was living in South Florida, came to my senses, and moved back to New York.
I hope you like my blog...